Why Neuter?

[Brooke&Ryan]

As the subject says, why? If I am going to even think of neutering Julius I need some serious reasons before I even think about it. I guess I should add that I(Ryan) am planning on showing him in the future and correct me if I am wrong I think he needs his jinglies if he wants to compete. Here goes. . . . .


Ryan

[pbach]

At the show we were at this weekend the Judge sure checked the package below to make sure parts were intact (males). Not sure how they check the females. But I would assume that it's an ethical thing, just like Ethical Breeders. If their going to lie about being intact I'd be a little concerned about their breeding habits.

[spidey]

If you're showing at conformation, in every class but special classes for altered dogs, he needs to be intact. The main reasons for neutering (NOT spaying, which is a whole other discussion) are things like reducing sex drive (less humping, less wandering, more concentration on the job at hand), to some minor extent reducing aggression, and obviously, to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The health benefits of neutering for males don't really kick in until the dog's older in most cases (UNLIKE SPAYING!!!), so as long as you're prepared to be a responsible owner (and do not underestimate how strong that drive can be if there's a bitch in season anywhere nearby), there's no reason you have to neuter him now, especially if you're planning to show at conformation.

[Brooke&Ryan]

If you're showing at conformation, in every class but special classes for altered dogs, he needs to be intact. The main reasons for neutering (NOT spaying, which is a whole other discussion) are things like reducing sex drive (less humping, less wandering, more concentration on the job at hand), to some minor extent reducing aggression, and obviously, to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The health benefits of neutering for males don't really kick in until the dog's older in most cases (UNLIKE SPAYING!!!), so as long as you're prepared to be a responsible owner (and do not underestimate how strong that drive can be if there's a bitch in season anywhere nearby), there's no reason you have to neuter him now, especially if you're planning to show at conformation.

Thanks Spidey,
I am aware of all that you posted and Julius in fact has none of the behaviors you have mentioned. Julius has not humped since he was two months of age (that obviously not being sexual), his focus is on me at all times if I need it to be and he does not even think of wandering off if not given permission. As far as keeping him from meeting a lady friend, I personally think it takes a dedicated owner to constantly know where and what their dog is doing, I am proud to say I am one of those owners. Anyone else have any good reasons of why? Again I am trying to weigh out the pro’s and con’s so why not would help also; showing is a big why not in my book.

Thanks Guys!

Ryan

[Luvs]

The ONLY reason we are not getting Keil neutered right now is because we are showing him. When we are done showing him we will defintely be getting him neutered. The same thing goes for Akasha. As soon as we are done showing her she will be getting spayed.

[Carina43]

If a dog is stable and well mannered, and of course has vigilant and conscientious owners - which you guys are :) - I don't see the point...if I get another male pup, I quite possibly might not neuter, at least for quite some time. My contract on Cooper said I had to do it by 24 months.

I mean honestly, why remove something that doesn't really have to be removed? I'm starting to feel the same way about tails, and I've NEVER thought it was nice to cut ears. Of course I am 110% behind the general advice to spay (well definitely) and neuter to the general public for obvious reasons.

Are you thinking of showing Julius in conformation? Of course he has to be intact for that. Not for any other events though.

[Brooke&Ryan]

The ONLY reason we are not getting Keil neutered right now is because we are showing him. When we are done showing him we will defintely be getting him neutered. The same thing goes for Akasha. As soon as we are done showing her she will be getting spayed.

Luvs, why?


Carina, thanks for your honest opinion. I can honestly say that out of all the dogs I have lived with for my entire life, Julius is the most stable, well mannered most respectful dog I have been around. I also agree with you on spaying. As far as conformation yes I am going to show him, there really is no reason why I would not. My aunt is a much respected judge and show-woman of Shepard’s as well as a long time trainer. We have the dog, the contacts; Why Not!:) I can’t wait to see how he does in the ring!

Thanks!

Ryan

[Judi W]

I have always owned intact males. Well bred, well raised intact males do not do inappropriate "humping". How is a properly contained dog supposed to roam? That one always confuses me. Why would someone let their neutered dog out anymore than their intact one? Being neutered doesn't protect a dog from becoming a road pizza. My boy just finished his CDX this last weekend while his spayed female housemate still needs that 3rd leg. So much for the training/distraction argument! She has a chance to redeme herself tomorrow. As far as aggression is concerned, a knife does not substitute for socialization and training.

[Brooke&Ryan]

Thank You Judi,
I agree with every word.

Ryan

[TrishB]

I show Parker - so he is intact. Unless he gives me a reason to neuter him (behavioural or health problems), I'll keep him intact.

I'm a responsible owner. My dog does not roam free. He doesn't hump people.

When he enters his senior years, I may neuter him to avoid problems in his very late years, so that the anesthetic isn't as much of a risk.

---

However, I must say that sadly, the majority of owners out there are not responsible enough to own an intact dog. :( For the majority - early neutering is best. Owning an intact male is a decision to be made - it doesn't 'just happen'.

[stevenc]

Originally posted by Brooke&Ryan
As the subject says, why? If I am going to even think of neutering Julius I need some serious reasons before I even think about it. I guess I should add that I(Ryan) am planning on showing him in the future and correct me if I am wrong I think he needs his jinglies if he wants to compete. Here goes. . . . .


Ryan

Yo my brother! We have to stick together! :D Some of these answers make me laugh.:D I like what Judy W said. As long as you are responsible, there should be no problems! I worked at a rescue and believe me, some of the neutered males were more aggressive then intact males. Spideys comments really made me laugh!:D Good luck and hope to see you and Brooke in New York with Julius for USRC Nationals. I would show him just to have some fun! It is a blast!:D

[Brooke&Ryan]

OOOOOOHHHH Lord, testicle men UNITE! Hehehehehehe!

I would love to come to NY & meet & greet everyone. We'll have to see how our schedules look.

:D
Brooke

[spidey]

Spideys comments really made me laugh

Why? The reasons I gave are the reasons most often given for neutering. Whether they're actually an issue with any given dog is a different matter. Ryan asked why people neuter their dogs, and I gave some of the reasons (I don't necessarily subscribe to those reasons, and in fact my dog's not neutered). But, you know, glad I could provide you with a laugh.

[Brooke&Ryan]

Thank You Spidey,
I took your post for all its worth, I did however think of one your forgot. The whole testical cancer deal. "Neuter your dog because it could get testicular cancer." I guess then these people remove their dog's bones before they have a chance to get bone caner eh? Hehe. Thanks for all the posts everyone, I will express my opinion as of now: We are very responsible owners and Julius is a well manored great dog; I see no reason to neuter him. I am sure Brooke will express her final feelings when she gets the chance =-)

Ryan

[TrishB]

Don't discount neutering for health - i.e. prostate cancer. It is a very real disease with very real consequences. However, it typically doesn't impact a dog until later in life.

Scenario: Your dog is intact and develops prostate cancer at 10 years of age. He is otherwise healthy. However, the anesthetic is a very real risk at that age.

I'll probably neuter Parker at around 6 - 7, while he's still healthy and able to go under anesthetic. I'd hate to lose him prematurely due to a problem that I could have avoided. I want to give Parker every chance to live to a very ripe, old, ancient age. :D